Notorious Hope

25. Back to Basics

Northside Hosptial-10: 27 am

''Miss Jones' we advise you to take it slow. You were in bad shape when you arrived. We're still going to keep you overnight for observation but you should be discharged tomorrow morning. We are aware that you do have some new legal guardians the Friars. So you'll be going home with them.''

''But I can't seem to recall who these people are. How am I supposed to be able to live in their house without knowing who they are? My father barely approves of Lucas, how am I supposed to live in their house?''

The last thing she can recollect is meeting Lucas late at night, admitting her feelings in a moment of rage before having a panic attack. Even things before this year are a blur, Fragments of her memories are there, whereas others aren't.

''We're going to place in our out-patients rehabilitation clinic where you'll meet with a therapist 3 times a week. This is to allow you the support that you need. As well the time to heal through the trauma. However, we've spoken to your school and they are placing you in an online programme, due to your pregnancy mishaps. Speaking of pregnancy, with you being 7 months along, we're putting you on mandatory bed rest. The baby is s-''

Pausing the doctor in their tracks. This can't be real. She can't be having a baby as a teenager.

''I can't be having a baby at my age. Holy fucking shit, my parents are going to kill me. Excuse my language, sir but I'm just so flabbergasted at this point. What am I going to do? Can I just have a moment to recollect my thoughts?''

The doctor leaves her to ponder with her thoughts. Catching the emerald-eyed boy out of the corner of her chocolate optics. He nervously stares at the brunette beauty. Unsure of whether to approach her or not.

''You can come in y' know. I know there's probably something you wanna ask me.''

The boy sits on her bed as closely as possible. She can tell he's refraining from holding her hand though.

''How much do you really remember about me and about us?''

She takes his hand in hers, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

''I remember meeting you that first day at Pop's, I remember kissing you after my panic attack. But other than that, there's nothing else I can remember very clearly. I'm sorry, I wish I could remember more. I think you're my boyfriend?''

His smile causes her heart to race a million miles a second. 

''You'd be correct. Even though you've pushed me away more times than not, I'll always love you. Even if you decide you don't love me anymore, I'll still love you. Because you have the purest, kindest and most loving soul that I've ever known.''

Caressing her cheek with his thumb ever so lightly.

''I don't know what I've done to deserve somebody as wonderful as you''

He so unlike any other boyfriend that she's ever had. The rest of them are either manipulative or abusive. Lucas is neither of those things. She thought that guys like him are something movies are made for.

''You've spent your entire life running away from everybody and everything, Riley. I've just wanted to give you a safe place to land.''

There's this safe feeling that he gives her in her stomach.

''Even though I might not remember you very well, there's a part of me that's telling me to give you a chance. So, I guess that's exactly what I'm gonna do.''